Documenting My Pregnancy: Week 14

Truth be told, I didn’t say much in my last entry… So this one will probably cover a lot of ground!

Today is December 27th, 2021, and I am officially in my second trimester! According to my apps, the size references I am given are a navel orange, a bubble tape container, and an ice cream sandwich. Whatever you choose to envision, it’s insane how quickly this thing grows!

Some other new developments since my last entry:

• My OB estimates a June 30th due date
• My lab testing came back great (all low risk)
• It’s a BOY!
• A second opinion estimates my due date June 27th (and also confirmed he’s a boy)
• My nausea has gone down significantly
• New symptoms have come up, and others are staying strong

Let’s get into it.

The last time I wrote was around 10 weeks, which was the end of November/beginning of December. Up until a few days ago, nausea and other first trimester woes were plaguing me each day.

Sidebar: I have no idea how women do it.

I am lucky enough to work from home, make my schedule, and have the flexibility to lay down (in bed or the cool floor in the bathroom, it depends). Plus, I will say my symptoms were pretty bad, interrupted my life, and made a lot of things impossible, but other women have it much worse.

Kudos to all pregnant women, with symptoms or without.

Over the last month, alongside the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I have gradually taken back my days. I can stand without feeling nauseous, a huge win for me. I have noticed my appetite isn’t quite where I would expect, though. It’s hard for me to choose and then commit to eating a food, and once I do, I might not eat more than a bite. So strange, as a food lover and occasional over-eater…

Also, the fatigue. I was fatigued for the first trimester, but the end of it kicked my butt. I am still exhausted, but I hope that tapers off as I get more into the second trimester.

We also got a lot of good news this month!

Early in the month, we decided I would get all the testing I could. We had the usual blood work done and went through a company called Natara to check other markers, including the cystic fibrosis screening, SMA carrier screen, and Q natal test. All came back low risk. We are so grateful.

Our second round of good news is we’re having a BOY!

We found out through the bloodwork and had the doctor write it down. We gave that envelope to our good friend who created this adorable box!

We did a gender reveal party on the 18th, it was really fun and I’m so glad we did.

As you can see, my husband Steve looks ecstatic to find it’ a boy, but the truth is he didn’t have a preference! Our excitement was from the fact we know… We didn’t care what the gender is, we just wanted to know it!

And now here I am today. Our first Christmas married has come and gone — It’s a crazy thought that we’ll have a little one in tow next Christmas.

Every day we talk about the baby. What will his name be? What will he be like? We daydream about the days to come and how all pregnancy changes will be worth it.

With all of the hopefulness, I do have to mention the nerves. Of course, I believe this pregnancy will be healthy, the baby will be healthy, and everything will go off without a hitch — But how do you not worry?

There are two main things on my mind lately: The rise in COVID cases and concerns that my body will have a hard time over the next two trimesters as I physically grow and change and mentally ride a rollercoaster.

Thankfully I have some great people around me and have taken to the strength of mindset this year. Onward we go.

Until next time!